Tachycardia

Diagnosis

A medical professional would typically perform a physical examination and ask questions regarding the symptoms, lifestyle choices, and medical history to determine whether the patient have tachycardia.

There are many investigations available to help a doctor to confirm the abnormal rapid heartbeat and evaluate for other disorders that could cause of an irregular heart rhythm, doctors will recommend further investigation such as the following:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): The electrical activity of the heart is measured by this quick and painless examination. Sensors (electrodes) are attached to the chest, and arms and legs. The length and timing of each electrical phase of the heartbeat are measured by an ECG. Signal patterns can be used to identify the type of tachycardia.
• Holter monitor: To record the heart’s activity during regular activities, this portable ECG can be worn for up to a day.
• Event monitor: A portable ECG which is used for up to 30 days or until the patient experience an arrhythmia or symptoms. Whenever symptoms appear, patient typically click a button.
• Echocardiogram: uses sound waves to produce images of the heartbeat. It can detect issues with blood flow, cardiac valves, and heart muscle.
• Chest X-ray: to determine the condition of the heart and lungs.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): used to identify the origin of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Images of the heart’s blood flow can be obtained from a cardiac MRI either static or in motion.
• Computerized tomography (CT): A more in-depth cross-sectional view of the area is provided by CT scans, which combine numerous X-ray images. If a medical professional needs to find the root of ventricular tachycardia, they may perform a cardiac CT scan.
• Coronary angiogram: is performed to evaluate for constricted or blocked blood arteries in the heart. It shows the interior of the coronary arteries using a dye and specialized X-rays to examine the blood flow to the heart.

If any of these methods cannot detect arrhythmia, the doctor might trigger the arrhythmia with some other tests, including:

• Electrophysiological (EP) testing and mapping: used to pinpoint the location of the heart’s abnormal signaling. Most often, an EP examination is utilized to identify isolated arrhythmias. It can be used to assess sinus tachycardia. A doctor will insert thin catheters tipped with electrode through the blood vessels to various parts of the heart.
• Stress test: measures the heart rate and blood flow of the heart and involves using a treadmill or a stationary cycle while having an ECG taken. A stress test could be used in conjunction with other heart exams. In order to stimulate the heart in a manner similar to exercise, a medication may be used if you have trouble working out.
• Tilt table test: is performed to learn more about the role that tachycardia plays in fainting. While lying flat on a table, the heart rate and blood pressure are recorded. The table is then slanted to a posture that resembles standing while being closely watched. The doctor will observe the heart’s and nervous system’s reactions to positional alterations.

Treatment

Treatment for tachycardia aims to slow an irregular heartbeat when it occurs and prevent future occurrences. Treating the underlying condition may lessen or stop the episodes if the tachycardia is caused by another medical condition.

Treatment to slow down or prevent the recurrence of the tachycardia includes:

• Vagal maneuvers: Affects the vagus nerve to decrease the heartbeat by coughing, applying ice pack to the face, and bearing down during bowel movement. The activities needs to be performed during the episode of tachycardia.
• Medications: Most tachycardia patients receive prescriptions for medications that lower heart rate and return the heart to a normal rhythm. The heart rhythm may need to be restored with medication if vagal maneuvers are unable to slow the rapid heartbeat.
• Cardioversion: Sensors (also known as electrodes) are positioned on the chest to provide electric shocks to the heart. The shock alters the electrical signals sent by the heart and prompts it to beat normally again. Cardioversion is utilized when immediate medical attention is required or when vagal techniques and drugs are ineffective and can also be performed while taking medicine.
• Catheter ablation: A doctor inserts one or more catheters, thin, flexible tubes, through an artery, typically in the groin and directs them to the heart. In order to prevent irregular electrical signals and restore cardiac rhythm, sensors (electrodes) on the catheter’s tip employ heat or cold energy to form tiny scars inside the heart.
• Pacemaker: A small device is inserted beneath the skin around the collarbone, sending electrode-tipped wires from the pacemaker into the blood vessels before guiding them to the inner area of the heart. The electrical impulses of this device help regulate the abnormal heart rate.
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): an ICD is a battery-operated device that is implanted under the skin close to the collarbone which monitors the heart rhythm continuously. The system shocks the patient with low- or high-energy shocks to correct an irregular heartbeat. It is recommended to patient who are at high risk for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
• Maze procedure: A tiny incision is made at the atria to create a pattern (or maze) of scar tissue. The signals from the heart cannot travel through scar tissue. In order to prevent some types of tachycardia, the maze can block incorrect electrical heart signals.
• Surgery: In some cases, an additional electrical pathway triggering tachycardia may require open heart surgery. Surgery is often only performed when all other therapeutic options have failed or when additional heart conditions require surgery.